Personal camera for a remote vehicle

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for the field of remote control vehicles with a camera. The images taken by the camera is sent to the user where they may view the images by a visual device. The vehicle may be a remote control car, boat, or aircraft. The visual device may be goggles, glasses, or some other eye piece. Also, the invention may have a split screen within the projection onto the glasses that may be toggled between the car view and a listing of the car&#39;s position on the race track. Moreover, the projection may have the race car&#39;s information. There also may be a surrounding view where a camera could show an overhead view of the whole racetrack.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/918,412 filed Dec. 19, 2013, the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a personal video camera that is mountedto remote control vehicles such as cars, boats, and helicopters and thatcamera sends the images remotely to a pair of glasses, goggles, screenor any other viewing medium.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Remote control vehicles have long been known in the toy industry. Theremote control is a term referring to the control of a vehicle by anoperator who is located in an area away from the vehicle and who doesnot have physical contact with the vehicle. Remote control have beenused for the control of vehicles and processes that involve environmentsthat are dangerous or hazardous for the operator, such as military, lawenforcement, nuclear and chemical applications. Remotely controlled toyvehicles are also well known as entertainment devices. Model remotecontrol airplanes, cars and boats have been popular for years and haveprovided countless hours of exciting and wholesome activity for entirefamilies.

It is also known that video display devices are limited in their realismbecause they present a two dimensional image. Many techniques have beenapplied to simulate a three dimensional image on a two dimensional videodisplay. Most such techniques involve presenting two slightly differentimages produced by a single camera in a dithered display, with theobserver wearing special optical lenses that allow the observer's rightand left eyes preferentially to see one of the alternating images.

Visual contact will only enhance the experience of the user. Distancediminishes the level of detail that can be seen, it is known that theseats closest to the performance may be sold for a higher price thanseats remote from the performance.

In order to enhance the visual experience from the more remote seatingareas, it is known to provide a very large screen video display at suchentertainment events in order to provide the attendees with a betterview of the performance. Camera operators at the performance record theaction from a variety of perspectives and a director selects an imagefrom among those cameras to be projected via the large screen videodisplay. The same concept has been applied to entertainment broadcast ontelevision. There have been many techniques used to provide a televisionaudience with an enhanced view of a performance. These techniquesinclude zoom lenses, cameras mounted on a goal post, and even camerasattached to referees and players participating in the event. The visualexperience provided by such prior art techniques is limited because theview of the event is too small, the quality of the image may bedistorted or partially blocked, or the view selected by a director isnot necessarily a view desired by the particular observer.

It is also known to use radio devices to enhance the entertainment valueof a car racing event. Car-to-crew radio communications may be receivedby fans at a car racing event, thus allowing the fans to hear voicecommunications during the race. While such devices provide the fans withadditional information concerning the race, they fail to make the fansfeel as though they are actually participating in the race because theyprovide only audible information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for the field of remote control vehicleswith a camera. The images taken by the camera is sent to the user wherethey may view the images by a visual device. The vehicle may be a remotecontrol car, boat, or aircraft. The visual device may be goggles,glasses, or some other eye piece. Also, the invention may have a splitscreen within the projection onto the glasses that may be toggledbetween the car view and a listing of the car's position on the racetrack. Moreover, the projection may have the race car's information.There also may be a surrounding view where a camera could show anoverhead view of the whole racetrack.

An apparatus for providing a remote camera system is disclosed herein asincluding: a plurality of cameras adapted for being located at aplurality of locations at an entertainment event for producing aplurality of video signals; a single channel or multi-channel wirelesscommunications system for transmitting wireless communication signalscorresponding to the plurality of video signals; and, a plurality ofportable personal display units each containing a single channel ormulti-channel receiving device and a portable video display device, theportable personal display units adapted for receiving the wirelesscommunication signals and for displaying images responsive to selectedones of the video signals for personal viewing by on-site attendees ofthe entertainment event.

A remotely controlled toy vehicle is described herein as including: amodel vehicle; a first wireless communication apparatus having a firsttransmitter remote from the model vehicle for sending control signalsand having a first receiver attached to the model vehicle for receivingthe control signals; a control apparatus attached to the model vehicleand operable to control the direction of travel of the model vehicle inresponse to the control signals; a video signal generating apparatusconnected to the model vehicle and comprising a miniature camerasoperable to generate video signals representative of a view from theperspective of the model vehicle; a wireless communication apparatusconnected to the video signal generating apparatus and having a singlechannel or multi-channel transmitter attached to the model vehicle andoperable to transmit the video signals to a portable single-channel ormulti-channel receiver remote from the model vehicle; and a hands-freevideo display device connected to the receiver and operable to displayan image corresponding to the view from the perspective of the modelvehicle to a person wearing the hands-free video display device.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements andarrangements thereof by apparatus for the purposes described which isinexpensive, dependable, and fully effective in accomplishing theintended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the glasses with the remote cars on atrack according to at least one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the glasses with the remote helicopterto at least one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary image of the remote control with the image andthe remote car.

FIG. 4 is a depiction of the projection in the glasses in detail.

FIG. 5 is a depiction of the stereo-optic view of the car in theglasses.

FIG. 6 is a depiction of the stereo-optic view of the helicopter in theglasses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention improves upon the area of remote control vehiclesand the camera. There is a vehicle that may be a remote control car,boat, helicopter, drone, or any other device. The vehicle is controlledby a remote control. The remote control directs the motion of thevehicle. A camera is mounted on top of the vehicle to capture the imagethat lies in front. That image may be seen via glasses or goggles.

As seen in FIG. 1, a perspective view of remote control car 102 on aracing track 106. In this embodiment, the scale model track 106 isdesigned to resemble an automobile racetrack and the racing vehicles102. In other embodiments, the vehicles may be toy model boats,airplanes, trucks, military vehicles, dune buggies, helicopter, etc. Asa non-limiting example, the vehicle may be used and may be operated overa natural surface that is not specifically adapted to a toy vehicleracetrack.

The vehicles, may be self-propelled by an electric motor or an internalcombustion engine. On top of the cars 102, are cameras 104. As anon-limiting example, the cameras may be multiple or it may be single.The multiple camera scenario would be able to provide a stereo-opticview to the viewer. Moreover, the single camera may be able to project asingle view of the scene. Also, as a non-limiting example, may beinfrared camera that is able to see in the dark or differentwavelengths, the camera may also be a night vision camera that is ableto see in the dark. Also, the camera may be a thermal imaging camerawhereby the viewer is able to track the heat waves of particularobjects.

As further seen in FIG. 1, the viewer may be able to view the imagesprojected to the user on to the inside lens of the glasses 108. As anon-limiting example, the view medium may be glasses, goggles, LCDdisplay on the remote control unit, head gear, etc. The image 110 may beprojected or lit up on the lens. In the current example, the glasses iswatching from the perspective of the viewer. As a non-limiting example,the user may toggle between the view of the viewer or may activate thecamera 104 on the vehicle 102 and watch from the perspective of the car.

As seen from FIG. 2, the invention may be shown in the embodiment ofthat of a helicopter 202. The helicopter 202 may have a camera 104attached. The camera 104 would then send the image 110 to the glasses108.

Again, the vehicles, in this case a helicopter 202 may be self-propelledby an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. On top of thehelicopter 202, are cameras 104. As a non-limiting example, the camerasmay be multiple or it may be single. The multiple camera scenario wouldbe able to provide a stereo-optic view to the viewer. Moreover, thesingle camera may be able to project a single view of the scene. Also,as a non-limiting example, may be infrared camera that is able to see inthe dark or different wavelengths, the camera may also be a night visioncamera that is able to see in the dark. Also, the camera may be athermal imaging camera whereby the viewer is able to track the heatwaves of particular objects.

As further seen in FIG. 2, the viewer may be able to view the imagesprojected to the user on to the inside lens of the glasses 108. As anon-limiting example, the view medium may be glasses, goggles, LCDdisplay on the remote control unit, head gear, etc. The image 110 may beprojected or lit up on the lens. In the current example, the glassesshow the perspective of the view from the helicopter 202. As anon-limiting example, the user may toggle between the view of the vieweror may activate the camera 104 on the vehicle 202 and watch from theperspective of the helicopter.

As seen in FIG. 3, a remote controller is shown 306. The remotecontroller 306 controls the operations of the vehicle 102. The remotecontrol 306 generates control signals corresponding to the user'scommand which are then sent to the second radio module which is thevehicle 102 in the present example. The user would manually manipulatethe joystick 304 to operate the vehicle 102. The remote control 306 mayor may not have an antenna. As a non-limiting example, the remotecontroller 306 may have a Liquid Crystal Display or LCD that would beoperably connected to the cameras 104. The signals from the camera 104would be displayed on the remote controller 306.

As a non-limiting example, the cameras 104 may move along with thedirection of the vehicle 102 or independently to give a greaterexperience for the user. In addition, the camera 104 moving inconjunction with the operation of the vehicle 102 would give a morerealistic experience. It will give the user a feeling that they areactually in the driver's seat inside the remote control car 102 and thatthey are driving on the scale model track 106. They would be able seethe driving around the track 106 and passing by the other cars 102 orbeing passed by them. It would give the sense they are in the middle ofthe action.

As seen in FIG. 3, greater detail is shown of the vehicle 102. In thepresent case, the vehicle is a remote control toy car. Moreover, anantenna 104 is attached to the top of the car 102. As a non-limitingexample, the camera 104 may be mounted on top of the car, in front ofthe car, the side, or any other location on the car to give the desiredeffect.

As seen in FIG. 4, the glasses 108 may have several options. As anon-limiting example, the user may toggle to a status function. In thisstatus function, the glasses 108 would display the real time information402 concerning the vehicle 102. As a non-limiting example, it coulddisplay the gas level, the speed of the vehicle, the engine temperature,the location of the vehicle, the position of the vehicle in the race,the battery strength, or the signal strength, etc. When the user togglesto another view, the viewer may be able to see the perspective view, ifthe user toggles to another view, the user may be able to see the viewfrom that of the vehicle 102.

As seen in FIG. 5, the embodiment of the invention shows the glasses 108in the stereo-optic mode. In this mode, the cameras 104 would bepositioned to display a different position to give the view of 3D of thevehicle 102. As a non-limiting example, the glasses 108 may have sideflaps 510 that would be able to further project images from to thecamera and would give a more of a range of view. As seen in the presentexample, the viewer would see the stereo-optic of the vehicle 102 wouldview as if the viewer were actually driving the vehicle 102. In thecurrent example, the view 506 would be that of a toy car on a racetrack.

As seen in FIG. 6, the embodiment of the invention shows the glasses 108in the stereo-optic mode. In this mode, the cameras 104 would bepositioned to display a different position to give the view of 3D of thevehicle 102. As a non-limiting example, the glasses 108 may have sideflaps 510 that would be able to further project images from to thecamera and would give a more of a range of view. As seen in the presentexample, the viewer would see the stereo-optic of the vehicle 102 wouldview as if the viewer were actually flying the vehicle 102. In thecurrent example, the view 608 would be that of a toy helicopter lookingover the city.

As a non-limiting example, in order to expand on the experience of theuser, a microphone may be attached to the camera 104 and would betransmitted back to the glasses 108 or some sound receiving device. Thiswould give the viewer the sounds of the race track or the air.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function oroperation or both as described herein can be implemented, individuallyand collectively or both, by a wide range of hardware, software,firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.

While the present invention has been described in connection with whatis considered the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to beunderstood that the present invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed arrangements, but is intended to cover various arrangementswhich are included within the spirit and scope of the broadest possibleinterpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass allmodifications and equivalent arrangements which are possible.

I claim:
 1. A video captured remote controlled model vehicle comprising:a model vehicle; a control device for controlling the direction andspeed of travel of said model vehicle in response to control signals; acamera system operably attached to said model vehicle capable ofreceiving and generating image signals wherein said camera system movesin conjunction with the operation of said model vehicle; a devicecapable of determining and communicating the status of said modelvehicle; a viewing medium wherein images captured by said camera systemwould be received wherein said images would simulate the visualexperience corresponding to the view from the perspective of said modelvehicle, wherein the user would have the option of toggling between saidimages received from said camera system and a listing of said modelvehicle's status; and a wireless system comprising: a first transmitterfrom said control device for sending control signals; a first receiverattached to said model vehicle for receiving the control signals; asecond transmitter attached to said model vehicle operable to transmitthe signals to a second receiver from said model vehicle to said viewingmedium.
 2. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said camera systemcomprises an infrared camera.
 3. The model vehicle of claim 1 whereinsaid model vehicle is a car.
 4. The model vehicle of claim 1 whereinsaid model vehicle is a boat.
 5. The model vehicle of claim 1 whereinsaid model vehicle is a helicopter.
 6. The model vehicle of claim 1wherein said handle is a dune buggy.
 7. The model vehicle of claim 1wherein said viewing medium is glasses.
 8. The model vehicle of claim 1wherein said viewing medium is a LCD display on said control device. 9.The model vehicle of claim 1 further comprising a microphone operablyattached to said model vehicle wherein said audio signals would betransmitted to an audio device.
 10. The model vehicle of claim 9 whereinsaid audio device is a headset.
 11. The model vehicle of claim 1 whereinsaid camera system comprises night vision camera wherein the user maysee in the dark.
 12. The model vehicle of claim 1 wherein said device iscapable of determining and communicating the status of said modelvehicle further comprises race position.
 13. The model vehicle of claim12 wherein said device is capable of determining and communicating thestatus of said model vehicle further comprises speed of said modelvehicle.
 14. The model vehicle of claim 13 wherein said device iscapable of determining and communicating the status of said modelvehicle further comprises said wireless system signal strength.
 15. Themodel vehicle of claim 14 wherein said device is capable of determiningand communicating the status of said model vehicle further comprisesbattery level.
 16. The model vehicle of claim 12 wherein said raceposition status is shown by depicting a representation on said viewingmedium of at least a portion of a track and the position of said modelvehicle on said track relative to the position of other competing modelvehicles on said track.
 17. The model vehicle of claim 16 wherein saidrace position status is shown in real time on said viewing medium.